Cash helped mom to start her own business

A CHATSWORTH mother used the money she collected from her stokvel to open a business – hiring out soft play toys for children’s birthday parties.

The 28-year-old Phoenix woman, who requested anonymity, said she wanted to earn extra money to supplement her income.

“In these tough economic times, it is important to have an additional income in your home, especially when you have children,” said the woman, who became part of a family run stokvel, or lottery, in 2014.

The mother of two, a part-time call centre agent, said she was paid out R10 000 and instead of splashing out on unnecessary things, she decided to start a business. “I went on to Gumtree and looked for people selling their businesses and equipment. I stumbled upon an advert by someone selling soft play equipment for children, contacted the person, negotiated a price and the sale was done.”

Soft play equipment consists of large blocks made out of soft material that comes in various shapes and sizes and are used as entertainment at children’s birthday parties.

“For me, the lottery felt like a quick investment.”

Through the business, she was able to recoup the money she invested in the lottery within a few months.

Living debt free was important, she said.

“With the rising costs of living, I cannot afford to take out loans and pay high interest rates. The lottery is a fixed amount every month that fits into my budget. I also have the option of continuing with it the following year. Whereas with loans, you are tied to them for years.”

With her small business thriving, she is now planning on joining another stokvel to save for a car.

She intends using the soft play equipment for a bigger dream, to open a day care centre.